This once-podgy pug has been given a new leash on life after losing almost a quarter of his body weight.

Gibbs, who was once so fat he couldn't go for short walks without collapsing, climb stairs or get off the sofa without help, has shed the extra kilos and is putting his best paw forward.

At his heaviest, the portly pooch weighed a whopping 14kg (2.2stone) and was 6kg overweight.

Don't look so sad Gibbs...

Gibbs no longer tips the scales after his amazing weight loss thanks to regular visits to a pet obesity clinic, a special diet of high fibre food and increased exercise... this is how overweight you used to be!

Before: Gibbs was so overweight he couldn't go for walks and had to be carried around in a specially-adapted bike basket

Now, after regular sessions at a pet obesity clinic, a special diet of high fibre food and increased exercise, Gibbs weighs a lighter 10.3 kg and enjoys two long walks a day.

His owner, charity worker Claire Scofield, 47 from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, said: 'He's like a different dog now and his cheeky personality is really coming out.'

The Scofield family adopted Gibbs in 2009 when he was one after his previous family no longer wanted him.

Claire said: 'He looked like a walrus he was so overweight.

Gibbs is now able to frolic through the park without collapsing from exhaustion and can keep up with the family's other dogs

He couldn't climb the stairs and if he wanted to get on the sofa we would have to pick him up.'

She added: 'We can't stop him now, he get's into everything and jumps on the bed.'

Gibbs lives with the Scofield family in Cheltenham, and no longer struggles to keep up with the Scofield's other dogs, Stig the pug and Floyd the collie.

He has been on his strict diet of dried dog food for three years - although like any dieter he does still allow himself the odd naughty treat.

Claire said: 'He once trotted out of my son's room looking very pleased with himself, and we discovered he had scoffed a giant double chocolate chip cookie.

'There was nothing but crumbs left.'

Claire said: 'It was a bit embarrassing at first as I was worried people would think his weight was my fault.

'I have two other dogs and they never had any problem with their weight - we think Gibbs may have a slow metabolism.

'Now it's Gibbs pulling at the lead, going in and out of the house, and he's always following me around.'

Gibbs enjoys healthy treats like carrots and apple cores which are low in fat and high in fibre as part of his strict doggie diet